Director's Spotlight
Archivist John
Senior Editor

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1925 Vision of Bruce Mitchell
The enduring fascination with Tricks is a testament to the artistic risks taken by Bruce Mitchell that eventually paid off. Challenging the viewer to find meaning in the Drama shadows, it reminds us of the fragility and beauty of the 1925s.
In Tricks, Bruce Mitchell pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
| Cinematography | Deep Focus |
| Soundtrack | Synth-Heavy |
| Editing | Disjunctive |
| Art Direction | Baroque |
Visualizing the convergence of Bruce Mitchell's style and the core Drama narrative.
Collegian Angelica "Trix" Varden, willful daughter of William Varden, after a midnight spread of lobster and ice cream, has a dream about an adventure on her father's ranch involving her horse Beverly, one Jack Norton, and Buck Barlow's gang of rustlers. She is expelled from school and returns home to find a handsome new foreman, who is none other than Jack Norton. Trix's curiosity is aroused by her dream, and she finds evidence of rustlers. Barlow shows up, and she locks herself in a cabin and sends Jack's horse, Star, for help. Jack finally defeats Barlow in a fight, and the two horses "realize" that they now have both a master and a mistress.
Decades after its release, Tricks remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Bruce Mitchell's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.